Method and apparatus for forming corrugated metal



May 3, 1932 R. R. BLoss ET AL 1,856,151

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL Filed July 2, 1930 7Sheets-Sheet l muullllh L-ll,

femum 1HE INVENToRs.

" 4 Y zgan May 3, 1932. R. R. BLoss ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FORFORMING CORRUGATED METAL Filed July 2, 1930 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 ORNEY May3, 1932- R. R. BLoss ET AL 1,856,151

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 FiledJuly 2, 1950 INVENTOR.'

B W15 m May 3, 1932- R. R. BLoss ET Al. 1,856,151

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL Filed July 2, 1930 7Sheets-Sheet 4 A g W ...............7..-'1.... l 201 INVENTO RichardRiB/o @oy C Ffa/7.

Z1/@gm ATTORNEY May 3, 1932. R. R. BLoss ET AL Y 1,856,151

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL 'Filed July 2, 1930 7sheets-sheet Y5 INVEN ToR's P/cara 19E/055.

M ATVTORNEY May3, 1932. R. R. BLoss E1' AL 1,856,151

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL Filed July 2, 1930 '7Sheets-Sheet 6 A IN VEN TORS R/c/zar'a /oss.

BY /Poy Pfaff. NM oRNEY May 3, 1932. R. R. BLoss ET AL 1,856,151

MTHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL Filel July 2, 1930y 7Sheets-Sheet 7 IN VEN TORS.

PQ/v C Pf6/7.

BY W35 MG? Pfc/75rd A7. 5/055.

Patented May 3, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE :RICHARD R. BLOSS ANDROY C. PFEIL, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO, ASSIGNORS T0 THE INTER- NATIONALDERRICK & EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 0F COLUMBUS, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIOMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CORRUGATED METAL Application led July2,

Our invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming corrugatedmetal. It is particularly applicable to the formation of corrugatedmetal tubes such as tug runs et cetera, although it is not necessarilyli m1t ed thereto and may be applied otherwise 1f so desired.

In the past, it has been customary to make corrugated metal tub rims, orarticles of a similar nature, by subjecting the metal to pairs ofcorrugating rolls, each of these rolls being formed in one piece. Theserolls grip the metal after the initial formation of the corrugation insuch a manner that it is impossible for the metal to flow transverselyacross the ridges of the rolls. From this, 1t results that the metal islocked upon the roll and the corrugating action is accomplishedpartially by stretching, which tends to weaken the product. It has beensuggested that the rolls be formed in sections and that these sectionsbe positively moved toward each other during the rolling action, but oneot the drawbacks of this method has been the difiiculty in getting thecorrect speed at which the rolls should move axially toward each otherin a positive manner.

One object of our invention lies in the provision of a method andapparatus for forming corrugations in tubular sheet metal, particularlyin tug rims, whereby such corrugations may be formed in a minimum lengthof time and with a relatively small amount of labor.

Another object of our invention lies in the provision of a method andapparatus for corrugating metal which are of such a. nature that thecorrugations will be produced by a bending action and that stretchingwill be practically eliminated with a consequent tendency to precludetendency of the metalv to crack or striate.

Our invention preferably contemplates the production of corrugatedtubular metal by forming the corrugations in the metal after it has beenconverted into an annular rim or tube of fiat metal. In this form, wesubJect it to pressure from opposing rolls which are moved toward eachother gradually during the rolling operation. The rolls which we 1930.Serial No. 465,393.

utilize are formed in sections which are preferably spaced apart rigidlyduring the rormation of initial grooves of comparatively shallow depthand which are released and permitted to move toward each other duringthe subsequent accentuation of these grooves and the nishing thereof.

More specifically, We preferably subject the the metal blank between therolls until such time as the rolls have formed a groove or path therein.However, the use of such guiding means is not absolutely essential forrotating the rolls.

Other objects and advantageous features of our invention will be notedin the following detailed descri tion and in the accompanylng sketches Werein similariigures of reference designate corresponding parts andwherein:

Figure l is a front view of the preferred form of our roll sectionswherein the roll sections are held in spaced relation on theirrespective shafts prior to the corrugating operation, and in addition, ameans for preventing axial displacement of the metal blank is shown asbeing mounted in connection therewith.

Figure 2 is a front view of our corrugating apparatus showing theposition of the rolls during initial indentation of the rim, wherein theroll sections have been moved closer together vertically but the rollsmounted on each shaft still remain in spaced position.

Figure 3 is a front view ofour corrugating apparatus, showing theposition of the rolls immediately after the individual rolls have beenreleased against axial movement to allow them to float along theirrespective shafts.

Figure 4 is a front view of our corrugating apparatus showing theposition of the rolls during final corrugating action.

Figure 5 is a vertical section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a front View, partly in section showing the preferred formof our rolls prior to the" corrugating action, the upper rolls beinglocated by set collars and held apart by sprin s, and thel lower rollsbeing held in space relation by keys.

Figure 7 is a front View showing the position of the roll sections atthe end of the initial corrugating action, wherein the two lower endrolls are still held in spaced relation the keys.

Figure 8 is a front view showing the position of the roll sectionsduring iinal corrugation of the plate, wherein the keys have been movedinwardly toward each other to allow unrestricted axial movement of theouter sections of the lower rolls, which movement has occurred so thatthey have been brought into Contact with the fixed center roll.

Figure 9 is a section taken on the line 9 9 of Figure- 6.

Figure 10 is a detail in perspective, showing a section of the lowershaft with the keys which we utilize for precluding axial movement ofthe lower rolls mounted in cooperation therewith. Figure 11 is a frontview part-ly in section, showing our roll sections prior to thecommencement of the corrugating action, wherein the upper rolls are heldapart by a light spring, and the lower end roll sections are precludedfrom axial movement by 1snother form of key actuated by a cam mem-Figure 12 is a front view showing the position of the rolls, at the endof the operation of initially grooving the plate, wherein the upper andlower rolls have moved closer together although the separate rollsections mounted on their respective shafts have not, as yet, beenreleased to move toward one another. v

Figure 13 is a view illustrating the respecl tive positions of therolls, the cam members and the keys during final corrugation of theplate wherein the two lower end roll sections have been released andhave been allowed to float along the shaft into contact with the fixedcenter roll section.

Figure 14 is a section taken on the line 14-14 of Figure 11.

Figure 15 is a detail in section showing a portion of the shaft with thekeys which we utilize in this instance, for prec-luding axial movementof the two lower end roll sections during initial grooving of the plate,mounted.

therein.

Figure 16 is a vertical sectional view showing another form of means forprecluding axial movement of the lower end roll sections in combinationwith a cam means for operating it. y

Figure 17 is a view showing the position of the roll sections during theoperation of initially grooving the rim.

Figure 18 is a vertical'sectional view of the roll sections in finalposition for corrugating a plate wherein the cam members have operatedon the means for holding the lower end rolls against axial movement torelease them and to allow them to float along the shaft.

Figure 19 is a section taken on the line 19-19 of Figure 16.

Figure 20 is a detail in perspective, partly broken away, showing theform of means which we preferably utilize, in this instance, forprecluding axial movement of the lower end roll sections, mounted incooperation with a portion of the lower shaft.

Figure 21 shows another form of apparatus for holding the upper andlower roll sections against axial movement during initial indentation ofthe plate, wherein the upper roll sections as well as the lower rollsections are held apart by lugs. The rolls are shown in the posit-ionprior to initial grooving of the rim.

Figure 22 is a vertical sectional view, showing the position of thevarious operating parts of the apparatus during initial grooving of theplate.

Figure 23 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the manner in whichthe roll sections are released during final corrugation of the rim.

Figure 24 is a section taken on the line 24-24 of Figure 21.

Figure 25 is a detail in perspective showing the lug means forprecluding axial movement of the rolls and the means for actuating it.

Figure 26' is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus prior togrooving of the plate, wherein the roll sections are mounted on sleevesand are precluded from axial movement by means of a pluralityofreciprocableshown in Fig- 31 to tid nient of the roll sections duringinitial indentation of the rim.

Figure 31 is a vertical sectional view showing still another form ofapparatus for prccluding axial movement of the roll sections whereinboth the upper roll sections and the lower end roll sections aremaintained in spaced relation by means of a notched rod. This view showsthe rolls in a position prior to grooving of the rim.

Figure 32 is a vertical sectional view, showing the position of thevarious parts of our apparatus during the operation of initiallygrooving the plate.

Figure 33 is a vertical sectional view showing the position of the rollsections, and the notched rods during final corrugation of the metal.

Figure 34 is a section taken on the line 34- 34 of Figure 31.

Figure 35 is an end view of the apparatus y 34 inclusive.

Figure 36 is a detail in perspective of a portion of the lower .shaftshowing one of the notched rods positioned therein.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing the articleproduced.

ln the drawings," Figures 1 to 9 inclusive, we have shown the upper rollunit as comprising a rotatable shaft. On this shaft, are located rollsections that are splined thereto and are caused to rotate therewith.That is, each roll section is provided with a longitudinal groove4,-Figure 5, that cooperates with a longitudinal key 5, located in asuitable groove in the shaft 1. The roll sections are free to moveaxially along the shaft until such time as their inner faces Contact, oruntil their longitudinal movement in the opposing direction is preventedbythe bracket arms 11 and 1l. These arms may be formed as a part of ameans for preventing axial displacement of the blank during corrugatingoperation, and will be hereinafter described more in detail. However,this means for preventing axial displacement is not an essential part ofour invention.

ln Figure 6, the outward longitudinal movement of these two rollsections is prevented by the set collars 6, that are rigidly mounted onthe shaft 1 immediately in rear of each respective roll section and arespaced apart sufficiently to allow limited longitudinal movementthereof. It is apparent, that if the means for preventing axialdisplacement of the sheet is not utilized, the set collars 6 may besubstituted to locate the roll sections.

The roll sections 2 and 3 are held in spaced relation by the oppositelydisposed expansion springs 7 that have their respective ends located insockets/I', Figures 2 and 6, formed in opposing faces of the rollsections.

The primary function of these expansion springs is to resiliently holdthe roll sections 2 and 3 in the position shown in Figure 1. During thecorrugating process, as will be set out hereinafter more in detail, theroll sections 2 and 8 will move toward each other against the action ofthese springs and, at the termination of the corrugating process, thesesprings will act to return the rolls to initial position. The sockets 7are of proper size to allow the resilient members to be compressedtherein without buckling or otherwise prccluding the ultimate contact ofthe roll sections.

With reference to Figure 1, it will -be noted that each of the rollsections 2 and 3 is provided with a peripheral groove 8 formed in thebody portion thereof. Furthermore, the periphery of each of these rollsections is so formed adjacent the respective inner portions thereof,that when these two roll sections 2 and 3 move to such position as tocontact with each other, a third groove 9, (Figure 4) is formed. Inorder to accomplish this, the opposing end portions of each respectiveroll section are cut away as at 10 to form the respective side walls ofthis groove 9. When the roll sections are moved to ysuch posit-ion as tocontact with each other, Figure 4, it will be apparent that a continuoussurface having shoulders and grooves will be formed. It will be notedthat the outer end portion of each respective upper roll section is ofsomewhat greater diameter than the body portion of the roll. After themetal sheet A, which is preferably of annular form, has been introducedinto the apparatus, these circular end surfaces of the respective rollsections rest on the upper surface of the plate adjacent the marginaledge thereof.

The hereinbcfore mentioned means for preventin the axial displacement ofthe metal sheet 1 as it progresses through the apparatus is adapted tobe carried by the shaft which supports the upper roll sections. Thismeans is adapted to contact with the marginal edges of the plate beforeit enters the apparatus during initial indentation thereof, and servesto properly align it during passage therethrough. It also guides theplate as it leaves the apparatus. Thus, the plate is guided into theapparatus, held in position during 4initial 1 `grooving thereof and isguided therefrom.

' However, it will be understood that the use of such guiding means isnot absolutely essential and its use is optional.

This guide means preferably comprises a carrier made up of the bracketmembers 11 and 11 that are each mounted in concentric relation to theshaft 1, as shown in Figure 5. This carrier is supported by theattachment of bracket member 11 to the cylindrical sleeve 12 that isalso mounted in concentric relation to the shaft and on one side of theroll sections. This carrier does not rotate with the shaft. The sleeve12 is preferably secured to the shaft support, not shown, to precludemovement of the carrier.

These brackets 11 and 11 are preferably provided with the integrallyformed arms 16 and 17 that extend downwardly and outwardly from thatsection of the bracket that is mounted in concentric relation to theshaft 1. Each arm is equipped, at its outermost end, with an annularenlarged portion 18 that is drilled longitudinally*V for the receptionof the pin 19. In addition, the two brackets 11 and 11 are joined by atransverse bar 19 that extends between the enlarged portions 18 formedat the forward end of each respective bracket, and between the enlargedportions formed at the rearmost end of each respective bracket.

Mounted on the lower end of each pin 19 is a cone-shaped roller 15. Eachroller is rotatable about the pin. It will be understood that during theoperation of corrugating, the rolls and the guide means may be moved upand down with the shaft 1. At the beginning of the operation ofcorrugating, the coneshaped rollers 15 disposed n front of the rollers 2and 3 are adapted to have their lowermost ends contact with the edge ofthe blank A, as shown in Figure 1. As the shaft 1 is moved downwardly,the roll sections 2 and 3 will act on the plate, in a manner to behereinafter described, whereby the edges of the plate will be angleddown as shown in igure 2. At this time, the edges ofthe blank A followalong the tapered surfaces of the guide rollers until such time as theaction of the upper and lower roll sections on the plate, cause theseedges to recede from the guide rollers 15.

In other words, the cone-shaped guide rollers move down with the uppercorrugating roll and, the marginal edges of the annular blank beingcorrugated, follow along the tapered surface of the guide rollers. Thesetapered rollers are thus always incontact with the edges of the blankduring initial grooving thereof. As the upper corrugating rolls movedownward still further, Figure 4, the edges of the metal recede from theguide rollers and the metal s then guided by the grooves that have beenpartially formed by the corrugating rolls, all of which will behereinafter referred to more in detail.

The roller guides described above are tapered; however, this same resultcan be accomplished by means of cylindrical rollers mounted on sliderails and caused to move toward each other as the edges of the metalcome together by the use of a screw, driven from the shaft that drivesthe rolls or by other means, the idea being to have rollers or othermeans to serve as a guide for the metal being corrugated until thecorrugating rolls have formed grooves or paths in the plate. Thesegrooves or paths thenser-ve to guide the metal through the rolls. Itwill be un-- derstood that the use of guidin rolls is not necessary andthat they may e dispensed .with if desired..

The lower roll unit preferably comprises a rotatable shaft 20. On thisshaft are mounted the roller sections 21, 22 and 23. Each roll sectionis grooved longitudinally as at 24, Figure 5, and is splined to theshaft by means of the longitudinal key 25 that is located in a suitablegroove therein. However, the two end roll sections 21 and 23 are adaptedto move longitudinally on the shaft when a means for holding them' intheposition, shown best in Figure 6, is released. This means will behereinafter referred to more in detail. The center roll section 22 ispreferably xed against axial movement with relation to the shaft 20 bymeans of a secondary key, not shown, or by any other means desired.

We have provided a plurality of expansion springs 22 that are locatedbetween the center roll section 22 and the end roll sections 21 and 23,as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The purpose of these springs is to returnthe two end roll sections 21 and 23 to the position shown in Figure 1,at the termination of the corrugating process. We preferably mount threepairs of these springs between the roll sections as shown in Figures 1,2 and 3.

As will be noted in Figure 4, thetwo end roll sections 21 and 23 areadapted to move inwardly on the shaft 20 until such time as they contactwith the centerroll section 22. When they are in this position, theperipheral shoulders 28 thereof are adapted to be in alignment with thegrooves of the upper roll section, and are adapted to cooperatetherewith to form the-finished corrugated rim as will be hereinafterdescribed.

It will be understood that the shaft 2O may or may not be verticallyreciprocable. The shaft 1, however, is so mounted that it may be movedup and down with relation to the shaft 20, any suitable means beingemployed to do this. When the shaft 1 is moved downwardly toward theshaft 20 during the corrugating process the roll sections 2 and 3 willtend to move toward each other as will the roll sections 2,1 and 23.When the roll sections of each roll have moved longitudinally intocontact With each other, the shoulders 2S of the lower roll sectionsshould be in interfitting relation with the end grooves 8 and the centergroove 9 of theupper roll j sections.

We have shown in Fi ures 6 to 9 inclusive,

one form of apparatus or precluding longitudinal movement of the twolower end roll sections during the period of initially grooving theplate A.

With reference to Figure 9, it will be seen that the shaft 20 has beengrooved longitudi- 20 and extended thereinto sufficiently to allow keys31 to be disposed therein. These keys 31 will extend the entire lengthof the groove and the opposing ends thereof are beveled as at 32 (seeFigure l0). The body portion 33 of each key is equipped with spacedupstanding lugs 34.

rllhese keys are adapted to be moved in and out in their respectivegrooves. By moving these keys outwardly in their grooves the lugs 34 maybe projected outwardly beyond the periphery of the shaft, or by movingthe keys inwardly in their grooves the lugs 34 may be withdrawn withinthe periphery of the shaft.

lt will be understood, that the end roll sections 21 and 23 will beprevented from moving axially on the shaft 2O when the apparatus is inthe position shown in Figures 6 and 7, wherein the lugs 34 extend beyondthe periphery of the shaft 20 and lie intermediate the end roll sectionsand the center roll section.

Fach collar 37 is grooved as at 38, for the reception of a lever, notshown, by means of which the collar may be moved longitudinally alongthe shaft 20. When it is desired to release the end roll sections 21 and23, the collars 37 are moved inwardly toward each other, thuswithdrawing the keys in their respective grooves through the engagementof the collars 37 with the beveled surfaces 32 of the keys. This actionis against the resilient force eX- erted by the compression springs 36that are mounted in the shaft 20 adjacent the respec tive ends of eachkey, and project through the bases of the grooves, as illustrated inFigure 10. rlhus, the lugs 34 are removed from such position as topreclude axial movement of the end roll sections and as a result, theroll sections are free to move axially on the shaft 20, but on movementof the collars 37 in a reverse direction the springs will-return thekeys to the position shown in Figure 1, providing the roll sections havebeen separated by the springs provided for this purpose.

ln operation, the upper shaft l and the roll sections 2 and 3 mountedthereon may be l to 5 inclusive may be mounted on the upper roll shaftsupport to correctly align the plate during the corrugating operation.It willbe noted, in Figure l. that both lower sections and uppersect-ions are spaced apart and the ribs of both lower and upper rollsare adapted to come initially in contact with the plate at the exactpoint at which they will come in Contact therewith after thecorrugations have been completely formed.

To form the. initial grooves in an annular band of metal, the upper rollmember is moved downwardly toward the lower roll member while both rollsare rotating, so that pressure is applied to the metal both from aboveand from below. It is preferable to gradually maintain this pressure ofthe rotating rolls until the metal is indented substantially to theextent shown in Figures 2 and 7, this indentation being produced whilethese roll sections are maintained in their initial separated relation.These rolls rotating ata selected rate of speed and progressivelyrotating the annular band of metal ultimately serve to produce aplurality of shallow grooves in the band and to bend the edges of theband of metal downwardly at an angle. When guide rollers such as shownat l5 are being used they will still remain in intimate contact with theedges of the annular band of metal. During this operation, the sectionsof the upper rolls and the sections of the lower rolls are maintained intheir same separated relation by the keys 33.

After indentation of the annular band of metal, the collars 37, Figure8, will be moved along the shaft 20 toward each other to depress thekeys 33, thus allowing the roll sec-- tions 2l and 23 to move freely ina longitudinal direction on the shaft 20. As the roll sections arereleased, the upper roll and the lower roll will continue movementtowards each other at a selected rate of speed. It is obvious that asthe corrugation of the metal progresses it will be necessary for themetal intermediate the marginal edges thereof to stretch around theroll, or for the rolls to draw in closer together. The latter actionprevails in view of the fact that the ribs of the respective rolls stillfollow the grooves initially formed in the blank and, as the rollsections draw closer together, the metal will be bent thereover toincrease the depth of each respective groove.

In other words, the tension created in the metal by the corrugatingaction will serve to pull the roll section of each roll, with theexception of the center roll section on the lower shaft, axiallytogether. Obviously the depth of the corrugations will be determined bythe depth of the peripheral grooves of the roll sections. By thuspermitting the rolls to come together, the tension in the metal will berelieved and the tendency of such metal to .stretch and split will beobviated.

1When the roll sections move to such position as shown in Figure 4, thegrooved metal blank will be rotated through the final stage of thecorrugating action. By thus bringing the rolls into close proximity inthis nal corrugating operation, the blank A thatls located therebetween,will have had the surface, intermediate its margin, finally shaped intoa corrugated surface.

In Figures 11 to 15, inclusive, we have shown another form of apparatusfor pre? venting longitudinal movement of the .two

end roll sections mounted on the lower shaft 20 in combination with acam means for causing the operation thereof. In this aption by means ofthe coil spring that is mounted in concentric relation to the shaft 1and has its respective ends disposed in the sockets 41 formed in theopposing faces of the roll sections. The rolls are located by the usualset collars, and if desired, the guide means for guiding the metalduring the corrugating process may be mounted on the shaft if desired.

In addition, we have mounted two circular cam members 44 and 45 on theshaft 1, each member being disposed directly in rear of a set collar.These cam members are fixed against axial movement on the shaft 1 andare adapted to rotate therewith. uThe vperipheral face of each cammember is beveled as at 46 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The lower shaft 20, is equipped with the usual roll sections that aresplined thereon and are rotatable therewith. As hereinbefore mentioned,the center roll sectlon 1s fixedi ly secured to theshaft and the endroll sections are capable of restricted longitudinal movement.

To prevent lon itudinal movement ofthe end roll sections uring theinitial grooving period, we have provided keys 47 that are located inslots 48 formed in those sections of the'shaft upon which the end rollersections are mounted These keys are adapted to be held in outermostposition in their grooves by means of an expansion spring 53,

located in sockets 54 in the shaft 2O l(Figure 15). That is, these keysare pivotally connected .to the shaft 2O by means of pivot pins 52 andthe free end thereof will be forced outwardly by springs 453. v

These keys are identical in structure and each preferably comprises ashank portion 50 equipped with spaced lugs 51 that extend outwardly fromthe body portion thereof. The innermost lug on each key is provided witha bevel surface as at 58. These lugs are preferably spaced -apartsuiiiciently to allow a roll section to lie therebetween.

-Thus. during the operation of initially grooving the plate, (Figures 11and 12) the lugs on the keys will extend beyond the periphery of theshaft 20 and will lpreclude axial movement of the roll sections. Tolowerthese keys and to withdraw the lugs from interlocking relation withthe end roll sections, we have provided the collars 55 that are mountedin opposition to one another on theshaft 20 and on both sides of thelower roll sections.- These collars are equipped with radial flangeshaving the periphery thereof beveled as at 56. Furthermore, thesebeveled surfaces ofthe radial flanges are adapted to cooperate with thebeveled peripheries of the cam members 44 and 45. During the corrugatingprocess, immediately after the metal has been initially grooved as inFigure 12, the movement of the shafts 1 and 20 toward each otherwillcause the cams 44 and4 45 to descend and force the collars mounted onthe roller shafts inwardly toward each other by engagement of thecooperating beveled surfaces. The collars will engage the beveledsurface 58 of each respective key to depress the free end thereof. Thisaction will retract the lugs 51 into the shaft 20 and from engagementwith the roll sections to allow r unrestricted axial movement thereoflIn Figures 16 to 19, inclusive, we have shown another form of apparatusfor pre-v venting longitudinal movement of the two end roll sectionsmounted on the lower shaft 20 in combination with a means for causingthe operation thereof. The upper roll is the same as that shown anddescribed in Figure 6, and is adapted to operate in the same manner.

As will be noted, the upper shaft 1 is provided .with one set collar 6,and a sleeve formed as an integral part of a circular cam member hasbeen substitutedy in lieu of the other set collar. This cam memberv 63is provided with a vertical end face and -a bevthis member will behereinafter referred to.

The lower shaft 20 which is substantially increased -in diameter overthe shafts shown in the preceding figures, is shown as having the threeroll sections 28 mounted thereon. These rollsections are located by theset collars 20', and as in Figure 6, the two end roll sections areadapted to move longitudinally on the shaft. The center roll section isfixedlysecured to the shaft 'and does not move axially with respectthereto. In order to prevent longitudinal movement of the two end rollsections during a certain -eled periphery as at 60. The function ofperiod in the operation of our device, we have provided the' lockingbolt members 74 that are disposed intermediate the -end roll sectionsand center roll section. These locking bolt members 74, are adapted tobe simultaneously projected in opposing directions beyond theperiphery'of the shaft 20, as best shown in Figure 16.

ln order to accomplish this, the shaft 20 is provided with a rectangularslot 64 that extends entirely therethrough and is formed in that portionof the shaft on which the lower roll sections are mounted. In thissection of the shaft, we have placed a member 71 that is adapted to bereciprocated therein longitudinally, by a means hereinafter described.

rlhis member 71 preferably comprises a shank portion having twointegrally formed wedge-shaped sections of substantially the samedimensions that are both provided with angling upper and lower surfacesas at 71'. Fach wedge-shaped section is adapted to lie directly underone of the end roll sections, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, inclusive.The locking bolt members 74 will be mounted on the wedge-shaped surfacesof this member 71, as shown in Figure 20, and will be held upright byengagement with the walls of the slot 64.

lWith reference to Figure 20, it will be noted that each wedge-shapedsection is provided with two tongues 7 3 that are disposed on opposingfaces thereof. The tongue on 'the one side of the wedge-shaped sectionlies adjacent one edge thereof and extends downwardly at approximatelythe same angle. The tongue on the opposing side of the wedge-shapedsection lies adjacent the other edge of the wedge-shaped portion and isparallel with the `inclined edge thereof, as shown in Figure 20.

When the locking bolt members are mounted on the wedge-shaped sections,the

A tongues 73 are adapted to cooperate with ,grooves that are formed onthe respective inner vertical wall of each member. It can readily beseen that, although frictional resistance to longitudinal movement isbrought to bear vagainst the locking bolt 74, movement of the member 71in either direction will serve to reciprocate the locking bolts in adirection at right angles thereto, thru the engagement of the tonguesmounted on oppbsing sides ofthe wedge-shaped sections, with the grooves75 of the respective locking bolt members. l

With the locking bolts in extended position, as best shown in Figures 16and 17, it will be noted that they will contact with the vertical facesof the roll sections between which they lie. and when the member 71 is.`

moved longitudinally the locking bolt members will be prevented frommoving bodily therewith and as a result will be withdrawn fromengagement with the roll sections.

rlFhe means which we preferably utilize for actuating the member 71comprises a collar 66 that is mounted on the .shaftl 20 as shown inFigure 16. The collar is pinned to the member 71 by means of thevertical pin 70, Figure 16, that extends entirely through the collar andthrough one end of this member 71. An expansion spring 67 is placedinter- Directly in rear of th'e collar 66 is another collar 68 that isiixedly secured to the shaft and is adapted to rotate therewith.

In operation, at the commencement of the corrugating process, asillustrated in AFigure 16, the locking bolts are shown in eX- tendedposition wherein they project outwardly from the periphery of the shaftto prevent axial movement of the two lower end roll sections. At thistime, the collar 66 has been moved as far to the left as possible by thespi-ing 67 thus serving to hold the member 71 in the position shown.

During initial indentation of the plate, as shown in Figure 17, thelocking bolts 74 are still in projected position to prevent longitudinalmovement of the end roll sections. Furthermore, the cam member 63mounted on the upper shaft 1 has been moved downwardly until the beveledperiphery 60 thereof engages with the beveled periphery 67 of the collar66. Further downward movement of the 'cam 60 will force the collar 66 toone side, which resultantly moves the arm 71 longitudinally to Withdrawthe keys 74.

In this form of apparatus we have shown bothrolls as havingtherespective sections thereof separated by' a plurality of expansionsprings. It is to be understood, that the use of such springs,especially on the lower roll section is entirely optional and, if it isfound desirable, these members may be removed and the two end rollsections may be returned to initial position manually.

With reference to Figures 21 to 25 inclusive, we have shown thereinanother form of apparatus for preoluding longitudinal movement of thevarious roll sections. In this apparatus, the upper roll sections arepositively held during theinitial grooving operation, againstlongitudinal displacement. Likewise, the two lower end roll sections arealso held against axial movement during the same period and by aslightly modified form of apparatus with relation to that utilized forinitially Spacing the upper roll sections.

-In Figure 21, the upper roll sections 2 and 3 have been provided with alug shaft 82 that is journaled atone end in the set collar 6 and at theopposing end in a. longitudinal bore 83 formed in the roll section 3.This lug shaft 82 is provided with the cam lugs 81 that are mountedthereon in the manner shown in Figure 21. That is to say, eachrespective lug lies adjacent the inner vertical face ofone of therollsections 2 or 3. Furthermore, these lugs 81 preferably take the formshown in Figure 24 and are adapted to be rotated the roll sections willbe precluded from axial movement, but when these lugs are rotated intoregistry with the respective openings 83 the roll sections will then becapable of moving longitudinally on the shaft l. To rotate the lug shaft82, we have equipped it with a lever 85 that extends at right anglesthereto and is rigidly mounted on the free end thereof. When the lugs 81are in the position shown in Figure 24:, theunderside of the lever 85should lie in contact with the shaft l. A collar 86 is slidably mountedon the shaft 1 and is provided with a longitudinal extension 87 having aforward beveled face 88. When this collar is moved toward the rollsections the beveled face 88 of the extension will throw the lever 85upwardly to rotate the lug shaft and thus bring the lugs 81 intoregistry with the openings 83.

Withreference to the lower shaft, the lug arrangement for releasing theroll sections is duplicated with the exception that the center rollsection is equipped with suitable sockets 93 for the reception of thecircular members 92 .mounted on the lug shaft. This is for the purposeof supporting the lug shaft-against longitudinal movement.

This lug apparatus mounted on the lower shaft 20 operates in exactly thesame manner as the apparatus mounted on the upper shaft :d it will bereadily apparent that movement of the collar toward the roll sectionwill ultimately cause rotation of the lug shaft 82 toy bring the lugkeys into registry with the op'enings formed in the two end rollsections.

In this form of apparatus, we have also shown the upper and lower rollas having resilient members interposed intermediate the respective rollsections, although the use of such resilient members is entirelyoptional.

In operation, when the metal sheet A is first positioned between the`roll sections, Figure 21, the lug members on both upper and lower shaftsare out of registry with ltheir respective openings and are operating tohold the rolls against axial movement. During initial indentation ofthe' plate, Figure 22, the respective rolls mounted on the shafts 1 and20 are moved closer together but are still maintained in spaced relationby the lug means At the end of this operation of initially indenting theplate, thev collars 86 mounted on both upper and lower shafts are' movedto the right to engage the levers 85 as hereinbefore explained. Thisaction will bring the lugs 81 into registry with Atheir respectiveopenings and will allow axial movement of the roll sections on therespective shafts.

With reference to Figures 26 to 30 inclusive, we have shown another formof apparatus for preventing longitudinal movement of the two upper rollsections and the two lower end roll sections during initial indentationof the plate.

In this instance, the two upper roll sections 2 and 3 are mounted on asleeve 112 that is mounted on the shaft 1, rotatable therewith and fixedagainst longitudinal movement with respect thereto. The roll sections 2and 3 are splined to the sleeve 112 in such a manner as to belongitudinally movable thereon.

As will be noted, the sleeve is equipped with the oppositely disposedlongitudinal passages 110 that extend partially therethrough. Eachpassage is equipped with a cam' rod 111 that is bolted at one end to acollar 114 by means of which the levers may be reciprocatedlongitudinally in Itheir respective passages. i v

The opposing end of each respective key is equipped with a tongue 116that is inclined at an angle from the main body portion of the cam rod,Figure 26. A bolt member 110 is adapted to be mounted on each. anglingportion and is disposed in a vertical passage 115', in the sleeve 112that communicates with the passage 110. In the position shown in Figure26, the bolt members 1,10 lie intermediate the inner vertical faces ofthe roll sections 2 and 3 and are in such position as to precludelongitudinal movement thereof. Furthermore, each bolt member 110 isprovided with an angling groove 115, Figure 30, that is adapted tocooperate with the angling .tongue 116.

In operation, when the collar 114 is moved to the left, Figure 28, thebolt members 110 .will be moved down out of engagement with end of theserods is attached to a slidable collar 130 exactly as described withrelationy to the upper roll sections. In this instance, the cam rods 120are provided with two tongues 135, as shown. Each tongue is inclined atan angle and is equipped with a bolt member 110, Figure 30, that ismounted thereon by engagement of the groove 115.

In operation, with the roll sections in the position shown in Figure 26,the outermost ends of the, respective bolt members lie intermediate thevarious roll sections. After initial indentation of the plate,thecollars`114 and 130 are movedto the left lbyany suitable means, whichresultantly withdraws the bolt members from engagement with the itilroll sections and allows them to float ontheir respective shafts.

lWith reference to Figures 31 to 36 inclusive, we have shown a stillfurther type of apparatus for preventing longitudinal movement of thetwo upper roll sections and the two lowei` end roll sections duringinitial indentation of the plate.

Tn this type of apparatus, the two upper roll sections are located bythe set collars 6 and are splined to the shaft l as hereinbefore setout. We have provided another type of locking means for separating thesetwo roll sections which preferably comprises a rocking shaft-140 that isdisposed in a substantially cylindrical groove 141, formed adjacent tothe periphery of the shaft l.

The rocking shaft is further provided with the locking lugs 142 that areformed integrally therewith and extend outwardly therefrom. 1t canclearly be seen, that rocking of the shaft 140 will throw the lockinglugs 142 outwardly beyond the periphery of the shaft or will cause theouter ends thereof to enter the pockets 143 formed in the shaft 1.

The rocking shaft 140 is provided at one end with a lever 145 that isrigidly secured thereto. 1n order to rotate the shaft 140 to retract theoutervends of the locking lugs from a position intermediate the rollsections 2 and 3, a collar 143 thatis slidably mounted on the shaft 1 ismoved over toward the roll section, by any suitable means. This actionwill bring an extension 149, Figures 31 and 35, into such position whereit will-contact with the lever 145. 1t will be remembered, that therocking shaft is movable in a rotary path by the shaft 1 and when thelever 145 strikes the extension 149, the lever 145, Figure 35, will bethrown upwardly to rock the shaft 141 to resultantly throw the outerends of the lugs 142 into the pocket 143. Thus the outer ends of theselugs will be removed from between the roll sections 2 and 3 and theywill be ca pable of floating longitudinally upon the shaft 1.

With reference to the lower roll sections, the locking structure and themeans for operating it is indentical with the locking structure mountedon the upper roll section, with the exception that the rocking sha-ft isprovided with two lugs rather than one. These lugs are so disposed onthe rocking shaft that they will lie intermediate the inner vertical'face of the two end roll sections andthe side faces of the fixed centerroll section. In operation the lever that is mounted on the end of therocking shaft is adapted to strike an extension 151 that isA formed as apart of a yoke member carried by the collar 148 and movable therewith.The lug will be thrown upwardly, Figure 35, to rock the shaft toresultantly throw the free end of the lugs into the radial pockets. Thusthe lower roll sections may be allowed to lioat along the shaft untilsuch time as they contact.

It will be noted from the foregoing description that we have a methodand -apparatus wherein the metal to be corrugated is bent into properform, practically without the stretching action that prevails in priormethods and apparatus. vOur rolls are brought together with theirsections in spaced fixed relation to produce initial grooves of shallowdepth. Then the sections are kreleased and by their movement towardseach other complete the formation of the corrugations by a bendingaction rather than a stretching action. 11`urthermore, these rollsections are caused to move towards each other by the natural pressure'resulting from the moving of the rolls into intertitting relation withthe metal disposed therebetween.

Many advantages arise from our novel method and apparatus. For example,it is possible to take an endless band of at metal and by continuouslyrolling it to complete a corrugated tube practically without anystretching of the metal whatsoever. This produces a superior product ina. shorter length of time. It does away with the necess'ity for unduehandling of the product during its formation. It is evident that thereare numerous other advantages, some of which appear from the precedingdescription. Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. The method of producing corrugated tubular members which comprisespassing a band of metal through opposing pressing rolls formed ofsections held in fixed spaced relation to produce an initial groove ofVincomplete depth, and then releasing sections to permit them to movetoward each other during continued passage of the initially grooved bandto complete the formation of the corrugations therein.

2. The method of producing corrugated tubular members which comprisespassing a band of metal through opposing pressing rolls formed ofsections held in fixed spaced relation, and continuously rotating saidband therein by the action of said rolls, to produce an initial grooveof incomplete depth, and then releasing said roll sections to permitmovement thereof toward each other to complete the formation ofthegrooves.

3. The method of producing corrugated tubular members which comprisescontinuously rotating a band of metal through opposing pressing rolls,in one direction, to initially form a plurality of grooves of incompletedepth'therein, and forming said completed groove by continued rotationof said endless band of metal, after releasing such sections andallowing them to approach each other during a subsequent portion of therolling operation.

4. In an apparatus for corrugating metal,

rality of roll sections mounted thereon, one

of said roll sections being fixed against axial movement and theremaining roll sections being free to move toward and away from saidfixed roll section.

6. In a corrugating apparatus, an upper shaft, roll sections mounted onsaid upper shaft, a lower shaft, roll sections disposed on said shaft,one of said roll sections being fixed against axial movement, and theremaining roll sections being held against axial movement by a meansmounted in said shaft capable of being operated to release the said rollsections when lsaid upper shaft ap- -proaches said lower shaft.

7. In an apparatus for corrugating metal, an upper roll, a shaft, rollsections disposed onA said shaft, said roll sections being located byset collars and spaced apart by resilient means, a lower roll, a shaftroll sections disposed on said shaft, one of said roll sections beingfixed against axial' movement with respect thereto, the remaining rollsections being prevented from axial movement thereon by a means movableinto said path of axial movement, and capable of being withdrawn.therefrom. Y p

8. In an apparatus for forming corrugated tug rims, a plurality of rollsections, a shaft on which said roll sections are mounted, and means forpreventing longitudinal movement ofgsaid roll sections on said shaft,said members mounted on said shaft, a second shaft movable toward andaway from said rst named shaft, roll sections mounted on said secondnamed shaft, one of said roll sections being fixed against axialmovement, the remaining roll sections'being prevented from longitudinalmovement on said shaft by a plurality of elements movable into and outof the path of longitudinal travel of said roll sections, said elementsbeing movable out of said path by a cam member cooperating withsaidfirst named cam member when said shafts are moved toward each other, anda resilient means for returning said elements into the path of travel ofsaid roll sections when said shafts are moved away from each other.

11. In an apparatus for f orming corrugating metal tug rims, an uppershaft section, rolls carried by said sections, a lower shaft section,longitudinally movable rolls mounted on said lower shaft, and aplurality of keys disposed in grooves in said shaft for preventinglongitudinal movement of said rolls, said keys being movable to releasesaid rolls to allow longitudinal movement thereof.

` 12. In combination, an apparatus for forming corrugated metal tugrims, a lower shaft, keys mounted in grooves in said shaft, said keysbeing pivotally connected to said 4shaft and having upst-anding lugsformed on the body portion thereof, one of said lugs being tapered forengagement with a traversable member mounted on said shaft.

In testimony whereof we, hereby affix our signatures.

. RICHARD R. BLOSS. l ROY C. PFEIL.

means being operable to release said roll sectionsto allow free movementthereofv on said shaft.

9. The method of forming corrugated metal tug rims which comprisesinitially indent- `ing the blank to form shallow grooves 1n theperiphery thereof and simultaneously turning the marginal edges thereofat an angle and preventing axial displacement of the plate, subsequentlyincreasino' the depth of said .grooves and increasing the angle of `saidmarginal edges bybending the metal plate over a plurality of ribs formedon a plurality of roll sections, said roll sections being free to movecloser together as the depth of the grooves is increased.

10. An apparatus for forming corrugated l'plates comprising an uppershaft, roll sections disposed on said shaft and located by set collarsand spaced apart resiliently, cam

